Writing Creative Nonfiction

Bringing together the imaginative strategies of fiction storytelling and new ways of narrating true, real-life events, creative nonfiction is the fastest-growing part of the creative writing world. It's a cutting-edge genre that's reshaping how we write (and read) everything from biographies and memoirs to blogs and public speaking scripts to personal essays and magazine articles.

Fiction! Nonfiction! You Name It!

This course will keep you honest if you're writing nonfiction and true to your vision if you're writing fiction. Many of the techniques can be used fo..Show More »r both aspects of the craft. Consider, if you will, some of what's covered: Cliffhangers and page turners; revealing characters in words and actions; using narrative perspective; building dramatic sentences; rhetorical devices and emotional impact; shaping your voice. What's not to love? What can't be used over and over? Heaven knows I sure as hell put a couple of tools into my toolbox with a sigh of relief.What makes it better, too, what makes these things stick is the little exercises that come between lessons. Do them and you'll see growth. Skip them, and... well, you'll probably still see growth, but really, they don't take much time at all, so it's no skin off your nose.I saw one reviewer really had a problem with Professor Mazzeo's delivery. Huh? I guess listen to the sample before purchasing? But honestly, I found her voice to be jolly decent. This is a great course that provides wonderful guidance. Truly one of the best writing books/courses out there.

The Secret Life of Words: English Words and Their Origins

From new words such as "bling" and "email" to the role of text messaging and other electronic communications, English is changing all around us. Discover the secrets behind the words in our everyday lexicon with this delightful, informative survey of English, from its Germanic origins to the rise of globalization and cyber-communications. Professor Curzan approaches words like an archaeologist, digging below the surface to uncover the story of words, from the humble "she" to such SAT words as "conflagration" and "pedimanous."

Building Great Sentences: Exploring the Writer's Craft

Why do some lengthy sentences flow effortlessly while others stumble along? Why are you captivated by the writing of particular authors? How can you craft sentences that reflect your unique outlook on the world? This lively, 24-lecture course introduces you to the myriad ways in which we think about, talk about, and write sentences. Reviving the sentence-oriented approach to studying writing, Professor Landon provides a greater context for what makes sentences great - and how you can apply these methods to your own writing.

I appreciate long sentences more now

I am not a writer, but I bought this book because I am curious about how writers craft sentences. As the author clarifies early in the first chapter,..Show More » this book is actually about building good LONG sentences. He explains how good, long, sustaining sentences are built. He cites many good examples from current and past writers. Some of the analytical observations and technical terms used to describe certain approaches in building sentences are bit too much for me, and I somehow doubt that Hemingway and other great writers studied these technical aspects of writing, but the materials covered in this book are still fascinating to me, and I now appreciate long sentences more. One small issue for me was that it took me some time to get used to this professor's tone of voice and his accents. You might want to check out the sample to hear his voice first to see if you are comfortable listening to the sound for 12 hours.

Analysis and Critique: How to Engage and Write about Anything

Tap into the power of effective writing by developing the fundamental critical and analytical skills that transform your writing from "good" to "great." Regardless of your subject, goal, or occasion, these skills will help you organize your thoughts into a coherent piece, make a persuasive argument rooted in facts, and make responsible use of research materials.

A course I wish I'd had in high school or college

I was an English major in college. I learned to do research and write papers. I think I have some natural writing ability, and I know I am very logi..Show More »cal. Nevertheless, writing essays was agony for me. I had no idea how to outline. I put the project off to the last minute. Thanks to many all-nighters, I was able to get good grades.

Thirty-five years later, I listened to this course for a couple of reasons.

I'm a supervisor and have to provide written feedback. Almost always, I end up writing the reviews at the last possible moment and stress about not having done them sooner.

I am also a Toastmaster. As a Toastmaster, I give 15 to 20 speeches a year. After 24 years, I've finally learned to outline, but I thought this course might help me organize my thoughts more efficiently. I have a technical speech that I've been planning to give, but couldn't quite figure out how to organize and present it to a non-technical audience.

This course (perhaps the 20th I've listened to) is one of the two best I've heard. (The other was "The Other Side of History".)

Professor Armstrong is a gifted and engaging lecturer. She provides insight into her own writing, which informs her recommendations of best methods. She has concrete suggestions for how these techniques can be used both inside and outside academia. (Letters to the editor, resume writing, etc.)

She gives us examples of poor or average writing, then recommends changes that undeniably improve the work.

Her course is clear, well-organized, easy to follow and (surprisingly) fun.

My niece wants to teach high school English. I have recommended this course. If I had been presented with this material in my youth, my writing would have been better and my sleep more prolific. As it is, I believe my habits and my writing will improve thanks to Professor Armstrong and this course.

Writing Great Fiction: Storytelling Tips and Techniques

From evoking a scene to charting a plot to revising your drafts, Writing Great Fiction: Storytelling Tips and Techniques offers a master class in storytelling. Taught by award-winning novelist James Hynes, a former visiting professor at the famed Iowa Writers' Workshop, these 24 insightful lectures show you the ins and outs of the fiction writer's craft.

How to Publish Your Book

In 24 eye-opening lectures, Jane Friedman, publishing industry expert and educator, provides you with sought-after secrets of the publishing process that will help you navigate this difficult progression, bypass pitfalls that many novice authors get hung up on, and improve your chances of being considered for publication. She acts as your personal guide though the entire process: from finalizing your manuscript to writing the perfect pitch to reviewing contracts and marketing your book.

Beyond Expectation Amazing!

I've read many books and articles on publishing, so I go into every new material with a raised eye brow. There is SO much bad, misleading, and unhelpf..Show More »ul information on this topic that it leads many authors down the wrong path. NOT SO WITH THIS! This was a thorough, entertaining, and intriguing book/class on the publishing industry. Jane is AWESOME! she does a great job being unbiased in giving information about trade publishing and self publishing. This information she gives is accurate and up-to-date and she gives it in an energetic and encouraging way. I HIGHLY recommend this book for writers in all ends of the spectrum of publishing. I for one am inspired and encouraged to keep writing. This is one of the best investments I made for my career. Check it out for yourself.

Becoming a Great Essayist

If you have a clever anecdote, an interesting memory, a new way to explain how something works, or an opinion on a social or political issue, then you have an essay in you. Unlike a novel, history book, or scientific publication, essays provide you with the versatility to express all the various facets that make you you. The concise and direct nature of an essay means that you may tap in to your sense of wit, share your individual point of view, persuade others to your perspective, and record a part of your memories for future generations in as many distinct essay forms as you wish.

Difficult to listen to this author

I have and will continue to order The Great Courses books. Would not try another from Jennifer Cognard-Black.